Howlett agrees new deal with Munster

Rugby:Munster have agreed a new deal with Doug Howlett that will keep the former All Black with the province for at least one more year. Howlett, who’s contract had been due to expire during the summer, will remain in Munster until the end of next season.

Munster revealed today that the 32-year-old had been offered more money to move abroad but had opted to extend his successful four-year stay with Tony McGahan’s side.

They also confirmed that Ian Keatley would be coming on board as a replacement for the Stade Francais bound Paul Warwick.

Keatley, who has impressed with Connacht since making the move from Leinster, has signed a two-year deal with Munster and will join at the end of the season.

The province have also offered new deals to a number of their young guns with Darragh Hurley, Mike Sherry, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley, Peter O'Mahony, Paddy Butler, Tommy O'Donnell, Conor Murray, Scott Deasy and Felix Jones all agreeing contracts.